Standing proudly on a rocky peninsula looking out over the city, Durham Cathedral seems to have been around forever.

A familiar point in the northern landscape to anyone who regularly travels by train in the North East on the East Coast Main Line, the cathedral has over nine centuries of stories to tell.

Durham

Durham itself was founded and populated by the community of Saint Cuthbert around the year 995AD. The first inhabitants had originally lived on Lindisfarne, an island known to locals as ‘Holy Island’.

Forced from their land by devastating Viking raids, the followers of Saint Cuthbert were in need of a safe place to worship. The geography of Durham, sitting high on a bend in the river Wear with steep river banks, fitted the bill.

The first order of business was to build a suitable resting place for the remains of Saint Cuthbert. The ‘White Church’ was constructed where Durham Cathedral now stands and a shrine to Saint Cuthbert attracted pilgrims from all over England.

Additional chapels were added in the 1170s (Galilee Chapel) and 1220s (Chapel of Nine Altars) and towers were added at some point in the early 1200s.

Today, Durham Cathedral is the oldest surviving building with a stone-vaulted ceiling on such a magnificent scale. Its design and construction altered the course of architectural development in Europe.

Catholicism in Crisis

For five centuries, Durham was a significant monastery, but by 1530 King Henry VIII had other ideas. The Dissolution of the Monasteries was a major crisis for England’s cathedrals and the monks who lived and worked within them.

Strangely, while other cathedrals were forced to surrender their wealth, disperse their monks and risk demolition or appropriation by a members of Henry’s inner circle, Durham Cathedral was spared. But why?

Put simply, Henry VIII liked the look of it. Brought up in the Catholic faith and married to committed Catholic Catherine of Aragon for 24 years, Henry remained enchanted by the ancient rituals of the Church and attended Catholic services throughout his life.

Durham Cathedral touched some part of Henry and he chose to protect it by dismissing its monks but introducing a dean and chapters.

The tide of anti-Catholic sentiment Henry unleashed during his Dissolution of the Monasteries could not easily be stopped. As decades passed and Tudor kings and queens died, many ordinary Englishmen and women began to rebel against the Catholic Church.

These rebels became known as Puritans and their rejection of the Church went hand in hand with their rejection of the monarchy. Civil war ensued.

Durham Cathedral was badly damaged by the victorious Puritans who established a commonwealth with Oliver Cromwell at its head.

It was used as a prison for a time during the 1650s and then sat derelict for a decade. The Cathedral did not regain its status until the 1660 when Charles II was welcomed back to the throne.

Power to the People

Things were peaceful for Durham Cathedral throughout the 18th and into the 19th century, until Great Britain was transformed by the Industrial Revolution.

As Britain’s inhabitants struggled to adjust to the rapid shift from an agricultural and feudal society to an aggressively capitalist-industrial one, the issue of reform resurfaced.

The Catholic Church was incredibly wealthy but what good did that wealth do for the local community, many of whom engaged in back-breaking labour in newly created coal mines?

Part of the Cathedral’s Chapter House

To appease the people, Durham Cathedral was forced to give up part of its property to found the University of Durham.

Still, in 1840 an Act of Parliament stripped the Cathedral of much of its property, leaving behind only a dean and a few canons to keep things ticking over.

Now the Cathedral had to look to the local community to keep it afloat, a necessity that has continued to this day.

Ancient Treasures

Welcoming over 700,000 visitors per year and holding over 1,700 religious services, Durham Cathedral is home to some astonishing artefects.

The coffin of Saint Cuthbert dates back to the year 698 and was described by one historian as “the Tutankhamun’s tomb of the north-east”.

The most important wooden object to survive from the ‘dark ages’, the coffin is displayed alongside the objects found inside it – a portable altar, a cross and an ivory comb.

The Bishop’s throne, or cathedra, is the most important object in any Cathedral as it elevates the building from a church to a Cathedral. Durham’s throne is bigger than any other in Christendom.

On the order of Bishop Hatfield, monks visiting the Vatican measured the height of the Pope’s throne so the Bishop could ensure his own was one inch taller.

The relics and remains of three different saints rest within the walls of Durham Cathedral: Saint Cuthbert, the Venerable Bede and Saint Oswald.

In later years, mere mortals were also interred there. In the 14th century Ralph Neville was buried there in an elaborately carved tomb. The figures which adorn it are said to represent his 19 children, with one figure facing inwards – perhaps the black sheep of the Neville family.

The bold Bishop Hatfield also has an ornate tomb within Durham Cathedral. The bishop’s tomb is the only non-royal tomb in existence that features a royal coat of arms, a gift from his friend King Edward III.

A place of religious worship and learning, Durham Cathedral has stood as a symbol of the power of the Catholic Church for almost 1000 years. To look back at a time of Viking invasion, Norman Conquest, the Dissolution of the Monasteries or the Civil War, all you have to do is step through its ancient wooden doors.

The jewel of South West England, Somerset has something to offer for all tastes in travel.

Sandy beaches, historic architecture and rolling hills, this vast county has a diverse range of sites to explore.

1. Cider

The first ‘site’is actually a place, but a drink.

Somerset is famous for its cider – fermented apple juice – and the county is full of cider apple orchards and pubs serving the local brew.

If you do get a chance to sample some, the real local experience is ‘scrumpy’ a powerful cloudy type’of cider – just don’t have too much!

2. Wells

Wells may be the smallest city in England, but it certainly packs a punch, making it an ideal place for a day trip or short stay. This medieval city can easily be explored on foot and has much to offer in the way of architectural history.

Wells Cathedral, dating from the 13th century, is a marvel of Gothic architecture and has been featured in many films and period dramas, such as BBC’s Poldark. Entry to the Cathedral is by donation and free tours are available for those wishing to learn more about the building’s history.

The city comes alive for market days, which take place every Wednesday and Saturday; ideal for picking up some local produce such as cheese or cider.

3. Glastonbury

Photo by treehouse1977
Situated on the Somerset Levels, Glastonbury is a town shrouded in history, myth, and legend. The town itself is quaint and picturesque, with many listed buildings, such as the Pilgrim’s Inn built in the 15th century. Glastonbury has unique spiritual ties, with many New Age travellers making a pilgrimage to this mystical site. Visit in the summer or winter solstice for a truly magical experience.

The Tor, just outside the town itself, offers incredible views of the surrounding area. Rising some 500ft above the Somerset Levels, the hill is topped by a tower of a ruined 15th-century church. From the summit you can see north to Wells, the Mendips, and the Bristol Channel; east to Shepton Mallet and Wiltshire; south to the Polden Hills, west to the Quantocks and Exmoor.

Also home to the summer’s most famous music festival…

4. Frome

Photo by fen-tastic
Perhaps less widely known that its neighbouring towns, Frome boasts all the history of a Somerset town but without the hefty tourist footfall.

Winding streets and boutique businesses give the town an authentic feel. The historic marketplace comes to life every weekend, with local farmers pitching up to flog the best local produce Somerset has to offer. The Cheese and Grain is the hub of social life, playing host to world-class music acts and regular food and drink festivals.

Just a short car journey away from this charming town is Farleigh Hungerford, where visitors will find a historic castle to explore and great spots for wild swimming in the hot summer months.

5. Bruton

Photo by yellow book
This picturesque Somerset village is so special that celebrities from across the globe have bought property here, from actor Nicholas Cage to designer Alice Temperley. Aside from trying to spot those famous faces, Bruton has a lot to offer for the day visitor, with vintage shops, bars, and restaurants a-plenty.

International art gallery Hauser & Wirth opened its Bruton site in 2004 and has been hosting exhibitions by some of the most significant contemporary artists ever since. With indoor galleries, outdoor sculpture garden, boutique accommodation and a gastronomic restaurant, it is the perfect destination for art and food lovers alike.

6. Clevedon

Photo by nicksarebi
Overlooking the Severn estuary, the Victorian seaside town of Clevedon boasts a pebbled beach and Grade 1 listed pier. Perfect for a leisurely stroll and a breath of sea air, the pier has a cafe at its end which is a unique setting to indulge in a cream tea.

Film fans should not miss out on a trip to the Curzon, the oldest operating purpose-built cinema in the world. With art-deco interior and Edwardian tea room, guided tours are available for those with a special interest in the history of the cinema itself. If a trip back in time is not to your taste, the cinema also shows the latest blockbuster films.

7. Weston-super-mare

Weston-super-mare is the perfect destination for a family seaside experience. With miles of flat sandy beaches and views all the way to Wales, Weston Bay is perfect for children and adults alike. Take a donkey ride along the beach, play a round of mini golf, or try your luck in the arcades. With fish and chips galore, treat yourself to the quintessential British seaside stay.

If the weather isn’t on your side, there are also plenty of indoor attractions to visit, such as Seaquarium (yes – a sea aquarium) and the Grand Pier, home to an indoor theme-park for the little ones and an Edwardian-style tearoom for the less energetic.

8. Cheddar

Situated in the Mendip Hills, Cheddar is home to the stunning natural wonder that is the Cheddar Gorge, a limestone ravine some 137 m (449 ft) deep. A site of significant geological interest and breathtaking beauty, the Gorge also offers fantastic climbing potential for the more adventurous.

The village of Cheddar itself is world famous for its cheese, produced in the caves from the 12th century to the present day. Those interested in the making of this dairy delight should head to the Cheddar Cheese factory.

9. Shepton Mallet

You may not have heard of Shepton Mallet, but you will have heard of Mulberry, the designer brand that calls it home. Can’t afford the hefty price tag of Britain’s most desirable handbags? You’re in luck. Mulberry have an outlet store in Shepton Mallet.

A must-visit when passing through Shepton Mallet is Kilver Court, which calls itself ‘the rural home of style.’ In addition to a shopping arcade of heavily discounted designer brands, Kilver Court boasts a beautiful three-and-a-half acre secret garden and cafe serving fresh local produce.

Just a short distance away from Shepton Mallet is the Bath and West Showground. Home to the annual Bath and West Show (think livestock auctions, local traders and dog competitions), the show-ground also hosts music festivals and other events throughout the summer months.

10. Wookey Hole

Photo by 4652 Paces
Wookey Hole is a village and visitor attraction in the heart of Somerset. It is a great place to visit with children, for the sheer number of activities that take place here. At Wookey Hole Caves you can explore subterranean Somerset, which offers a fascinating history of the area dating back to 500,000 BC.

In addition to the unforgettable caves, Wookey Hole boasts a Victorian penny arcade, hand-made paper mill, mystic fairy garden and a magical mirror maze. With onsite accommodation to book, Wookey Hole is an ideal family attraction all year round. Just watch out for the witch!

Somerset is a fantastic place to visit with lots to do and see. Whether you are a nature lover, a culture buff or a history fanatic, there really is something for everyone here. So, what are you waiting for? Get out, get exploring, and try not to eat too much cheese!

Oxford

Durham

Bath

Cambridge

For over a century, some of England’s most celebrated Lake District writers and poets have found their inspiration in the dramatic beauty and solitude of this gorgeous part of northern England. Its 885 acres of mountains, meadows and lakes have, however, moved them in very different ways, leaving a legacy that ranges from the romantic to the gothic.

Lake District Writers And Poets

William Wordsworth (1770-1850)

“To me the meanest flower that blows can give

Thoughts that do often lie too deep for tears.”

William Wordsworth at 28 (By William Shuter. (Division of Rare & Manuscript Collections) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons)The most famous of the group who became known as the “Lake Poets”, Wordsworth was born in Cockermouth, just north of the borders of what would eventually become the Lake District national park.

After attending university in Cambridge and a spell living in Dorset, he returned to the Lakes in 1799 for a walking tour. It was whilst out walking with his brother John and fellow poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge that he came upon Dove Cottage in the village of Grasmere. Both house and landscape captured his heart, and a few weeks later he and his sister Dorothy had moved in. He was to remain in the region for the rest of his life.

The waterfalls, streams and valleys fed Wordsworth’s adoration of nature, and his emotional response to the countryside around him was reflected in his poetry. He became a key figure in the Romantic Movement, which rebelled against the neoclassical tradition that held rational thinking as superior to emotion.

Wordsworth treasured the unspoiled beauty of the area and opposed what he saw as the threat of change, whether from the planting of trees in regimented lines, the building of new homes for industrialists or the coming of the railways. Ironically, it was his own work, a Guide Through the District of the Lakes, published in 1820, which served as a catalyst for mass tourism to the area.

Dove Cottage (ingawh [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons)Happily, tourism has not detracted from the beauty of the Lake District, and today both of Wordsworth’s Lake District homes, Dove Cottage and Rydal Mount, are open to visitors. Wordsworth was a devoted gardener, and no trip to either would be complete without a walk around their picturesque grounds.

Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772-1834)

“The fair breeze blew, the white foam flew

The furrow followed free

We were the first that ever burst

Into that silent sea”

Samuel Taylor Coleridge (Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)

Another of the Lake Poets, Samuel Taylor Coleridge was a close friend of Wordsworth. He followed him to the Lakes, moving into Greta Hall in Keswick in 1800, and frequently made the trip to Grasmere to visit him.

Unlike Wordsworth, however, Coleridge’s poetry reflected the gothic aspects of nature rather than its beauty. The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, one of his most noted works, vividly describes the horror facing an old sailor. Adrift on the sea, alone on his vessel, he wails, “Water, water everywhere, nor any drop to drink.”

Gateway to Greta Hall, home to both Coleridge and Southey (By Antiquary (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC BY 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons)Coleridge was a great walker and covered considerable distances across the Lake District. He once undertook a nine day tour of the fells and was the first person recorded as descending the mountain Scafell Pike by a dangerous, rocky wall known as Broad Stand.

Plagued with ill health and an addiction to opium, Coleridge left the Lake District in 1804, leaving his home and family in the care of the third of the Lake Poets, Robert Southey. Today, Greta Hall offers bed and breakfast and self-catering accommodation to visitors wanting to spend a night beneath its roof.

Robert Southey (1774-1843)

“It is with words as with sunbeams – the more they are condensed, the deeper they burn.”

Robert Southey (Peter Vandyke [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons)A college mate of Coleridge as well as his brother-in-law, Southey was a celebrated prose writer and poet.

In 1803, after visiting Coleridge in the Lake District, he decided to stay, awed by Coleridge and Wordsworth and stunned by the beauty of the countryside. He came to see the Lake District as the symbol of the nation’s covenant with God, thanking Him that he was born an Englishman.

His works include a remarkable record of the era of the Lake Poets and the poem The Cataract of Lodore, whichbrought fame to the Lake District’s Lodore Falls.

Lodore Falls near Borrowdale (By Betsythedevine (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons)Today, Southey’s gravestone can still be seen near Greta Hall at the church of St Kentigern’s, while in the town of Bassenthwaite stands the Pheasant pub, where Southey and his fellow poets supposedly used to drink.

Beatrix Potter (1866-1943)

“What we call the highest and the lowest in nature are both equally perfect. A willow bush is as beautiful as the human form divine.”

Beatrix Potter (By Charles G.Y. King (1854-1937) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons)Beatrix Potter spent many childhood holidays in the Lake District and her time there exerted a strong influence over her children’s books. The creator of well-loved characters such as Peter Rabbit and Jemima Puddle-Duck, she was also a serious conservationist and is credited with saving the Herdwick sheep from extinction.

Beatrix bought her Lake District home, Hill Top Farm, with profits from her writing. By the time of her death, she had amassed 14 farms and 4,000 acres of land, all of which were left to the National Trust.

Hill Top Farm, home to Beatrix Potter (Peter Trimming [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons)Today, visitors to the Lake District can follow the Beatrix Potter trail around the beautiful lakeshore at Brockhole, once home to Beatrix’s cousin Edith and now the Lake District Visitor Centre. Over in Bowness-on-Windermere, The World of Beatrix Potter is a popular attraction for adults and children alike.

Arthur Ransome (1884-1967)

“The klop, klop of water under the bows of a small boat will cure most troubles in this world.”

Born in Leeds, Arthur Ransome had an early introduction to the Lake District, attending school in Windermere and learning to sail on the waters of lake Coniston. He and his wife Eugenia – whom he had met in Russia and who had once been Trotsky’s secretary – settled in the area and it was there that he wrote the famous Swallows and Amazons series.

Peel Island on Coniston Water, the inspiration for “Wild Cat Island” in the Swallows and Amazons stories (Rob Noble [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons)The majority of the stories were set in the Lake District, with Ransome’s childhood adventures on Coniston and in the surrounding countryside shining through in the tales of children camping on islands, fighting fell fires and conquering mountains.

The author died in 1967 and he and Eugenia are buried in Rusland churchyard.

The Lake District has been home to some of England’s best loved poets and writers, leaving its mark on both their lives and their work. Why not plan a visit and find out what makes it so special? For as one anonymous writer put it, “You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you…”

Situated on the east of England, the region of East Anglia is sometimes overlooked by visitors drawn to the better known beauty spots of the Cotswolds, Lakes or Peak District. Those ready to take a closer look, though, will find beautiful countryside, pretty market towns, wide sandy beaches and magnificent buildings. It’s also a must-visit location for wildlife enthusiasts, offering the best birdwatching opportunities in the country.

But where is it? The late English reality TV star Jade Goody once famously declared it to be “abroad…like, next to Tunisia”. She may have been a little off-the-mark, but the borders of the region are a cause of some debate. It takes its name from the sixth century kingdom of the East Angles which covered the counties of Norfolk, Suffolk and at least part of Cambridgeshire. Today, the British Government has extended it for statistical purposes to cover the whole of Cambridgeshire, and other groups add Essex to their definition too.

Whatever the precise borders, East Anglia contains enough memorable locations for the most demanding visitor. Read on for our pick of the best.

The “broads” themselves are lakes, formed from the flooding of pits dug in medieval times to extract peat, then used as fuel. Today, the waterways carry a variety of special designations protecting their unique wildlife and features.

The whole network is lock-free, making it easily navigable by every type of boat from racing yachts to motor launches, many of which can be hired in the area. While you’re there, look out for the Norfolk wherry, a traditional cargo boat dating back to the seventeenth century. Some specimens have been restored and still sail the broads today.

2. Norwich

Norwich is England’s best-preserved medieval city with the Dragon Hall, Guildhall and Strangers’ Hall amongst its iconic half-timbered buildings. Historic cobbled streets, city walls and a majestic Norman castle and cathedral add to the sense of a modern city with an ancient heritage.

For shoppers, there are both high street names and independent boutiques, and the largest permanent covered market in the whole of Europe. After dark, lively restaurants and bars provide a bustling social scene for visitors and locals alike.

The only city in England to lie within a National Park (the Norfolk Broads), no visit to Norwich would be complete without a walk along the picturesque banks of the river Wensum, which winds through its heart.

3. Cambridge

West end of King’s College Chapel, as seen from The Backs (By Andrew Dunn – http://www.andrewdunnphoto.com/, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1340715)

Best known for its world-famous university, founded in 1209, Cambridge’s illustrious academic heritage lies behind much of the city’s striking architecture. King’s College Chapel and the University Library dominate the skyline, and a punt along “the Backs” – where several of the colleges back onto the river Cam – provides spectacular views.

Those looking for culture will be spoilt for choice: Cambridge is home to the largest concentration of internationally-renowned collections outside London, and many of its museums and galleries are free to visit.

A particular highlight is the University’s collection of arts and antiquities at the Fitzwilliam Museum. Here you will find exhibits dating from prehistoric times right up to the modern day.

4. The Fens

The Fens were once marshland and their draining in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries left behind a fertile soil that has made the area the breadbasket of Britain.

There is more to the Fens, though, than agriculture. From the early Christian period of Anglo-Saxon England, the isolation and wilderness of the area attracted many religious men and women and the large concentration of churches, priories and convents led to it becoming known as “The Holy Land of the English”. Many of the former monasteries are now churches and cathedrals including Ely, below) and can be visited to this day.

5. Ely

The cathedral city of Ely lies about 14 miles north of Cambridge and, despite its city status, is home to only 20,000 people. Situated on an island at the highest point of the fens, it is still only 85 feet above sea level – a fact that has seen it fall victim to flooding on many occasions.

There is an ancient history of religious settlement in the town. In 672 AD Saint Ethelreda founded an abbey church there and the present cathedral dates back to 1083. Considered an architectural gem on account of both its scale and stylistic details, the cathedral’s most celebrated element is the octagonal tower which dominates the surrounding landscape.

Today, the cathedral continues to hold regular morning and evening services, whilst playing host to some quarter of a million visitors each year.

6. Oxburgh Hall

Built around 1482 by Sir Edmund Bedingfield, the spectacular Oxburgh Hall has been the home of the Bedingfield family ever since.

Although always intended as a family home, the Hall has a fortress-like appearance, sitting in the middle of a square moat about 75 metres long on each side and with a grand, fortified gatehouse. Inside the building is a priest-hole, built in the sixteenth by the Catholic Bedingfields to provide a hiding place for any clergy on the premises when the Protestant Queen Elizabeth I’s henchmen came calling. The hole is hidden beneath a concealed trapdoor and, unlike most priest-holes, is open to visitors.

Oxburgh also provides plenty for lovers of the great outdoors: the grounds include a walled garden, parterre, meadows and extensive woodland.

7. Sandringham

Sandringham House in Norfolk is the country retreat of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The much-loved home of four generations of British monarchs since 1862, George V referred to it as “the place I love better than anywhere in the world”.

The house and its 24 hectares of glorious gardens lie at the heart of the vast Sandringham Estate. Including woodlands, farms, homes, businesses and a country park that is free to enter and open to visitors every day of the year, the Estate provides employment for over 200 people.

The house and gardens are also open to visitors. Whilst there, try and make time to see Sandringham Church: dating back to the sixteenth century it contains many royal memorials and is still regularly used as a place of worship by the royal family.

8. Constable Country

Located on the Suffolk and Essex border, Constable Country is named after the renowned artist John Constable, who lived in and worked in the area. The man himself credited the countryside along the banks of the river Stour with making him a painter, and today it is still recognisable from the scenes that appear in his work.

The open skies and meadows are best appreciated on foot or by bicycle, and there are numerous tours to help visitors plot their course. Alternatively, hire a rowing boat or take an electric launch on the river Stour to get a different perspective.

However you travel, be sure to visit Dedham Vale and Flatford to see the landscapes that inspired some of England’s best-loved paintings.

9. Sutton Hoo

Lying near the town of Woodbridge in Suffolk, Sutton Hoo is the location of two sixth and early seventh century cemeteries and one of England’s most important archaeological sites.

Excavation of the most famous part of the site, the ship burial of an Anglo-Saxon king, began in 1939. Among the artefacts to be unearthed were a ceremonial helmet, sword and shield, lyre and several items of silver plate.

Many of the artefacts are now on display at the British Museum in London, but visit Sutton Hoo itself and you can walk around the burial mounds, see a full-size reconstruction of the burial chamber, and examine both replicas and original finds from the excavation, including a prince’s sword.

10. Great Yarmouth

The ancient town of Great Yarmouth dates back to Roman times. Once a major fishing port, it has been a seaside resort since 1760 and attracts millions of visitors each year.

A great location for families with children, the town’s Pleasure Beach is one of England’s top leisure parks. Other attractions to keep the young and young-at-heart amused include crazy golf, trampolines, roller skating and seal watching.

History lovers will want to try one of the Heritage Walks, which run from April to October; and don’t miss the Tolhouse Gaol, dating back to the twelfth century and one of the oldest prisons in Britain.